Earlier today, July 27, 2023, the band the Eagles announced the sad news that one of the band’s founding members has died. On the band’s website, they posted a statement sharing, “The Eagles are sad to report that founding member, bassist, and vocalist, Randy Meisner, passed away last night (July 26) in Los Angeles at age 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).”
Meisner was the bassist for The Eagles. He was one of four founding band members in 1971 along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon. Meisner left the Eagles in 1977, but in 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other members of the band.
Before joining the Eagles, Meisner a bassist and singer for Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. Then, in the 1960s, he became the original bassist for the band Poco. When Meisner left Poco, he was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit. When Meisner left the Eagles, he was once again replaced by Schmit.
The Eagles said, “Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.’” Meisner cowrote and sang “Take It to the Limit.”
Besides performing as a member of a band, Meisner also released several solo albums including two different albums titled “Randy Meisner” and one titled “One More Song.”
Meisner is survived by his three children, Dana, Heather and Eric.
Rest in peace.
